Events for January 2, 2026
First Friday is celebrated on the first Friday of each month throughout Downtown Raleigh to showcase the best of our city's creative community. Thousands venture downtown to visit art galleries & studios open late to host exhibits, artist talks, and creative activities. Retailers and restaurants also get in on the fun with live music, vendor markets, specials/discounts, and more. There's something for everyone each First Friday.
Create your own First Friday itinerary by selecting the hearts for events and experiences you don't want to miss. Receive a custom map and itinerary to guide your First Friday evening!
Join us every Friday from 5-8 p.m. for live music on the patio at Birdie’s Barroom & Kitchen in downtown Raleigh; rain or shine. More information at https://www.birdiesraleigh.com/events
Local Artists competed in a mural battle. Art now for sale, displayed inside Boatman Spirits Co. All proceeds go to Food Not Bombs food bank.
We're staying open late! Captain Cookie is extending hours to 10 PM to join the festivities at @transfercofoodhall. Enjoy art, live music, and, of course, our super-powered cookies. First Friday just got sweeter!
For the month of January, CoLab is exploring transience in a show we’re calling “Ephemeral”. Come see art that invites us to contemplate the beauty of the temporary or is itself impermanent. These works capture a fleeting moment, are made from materials not meant to last, or use viewer participation to create an experience that only lasts for the moment.
In addition, we’re celebrating impermanence this month with a wall of post-it note art! You can even contribute your own post-it note masterpiece during First Friday! And also on First Friday, come paint with us by contributing to our collaborative painting! There's also the amazing Five Dollar Sketch Wall- a novel way to build your art collection (even if you're broke) and help support CoLab at the same time, thanks to generous donations from our artists!
The Carter Building will be hopping Friday! While you're here, visit our awesome neighbors throughout the building!
Hop on the mic every Friday night at Crank Arm Brewing for Karaoke Night! Bring your crew, start with some "liquid courage", and warm up those vocal cords. Whether you’re here to belt it out or just sip and cheer, it’s the perfect way to roll into the weekend.
Crank Arm offers craft beers, wine, cider, seltzer, and cocktails, as well as THC-infused beverages & non-alcoholic options.
So pedal over, raise a glass, and let’s turn those Friday nights into full-throttle sing-alongs!
Join us Friday January 2nd at Curate for a permanent jewelry event with Zapped Raleigh! The Zapped team will be popping up with lots of high quality, tarnish resistant gold-filled, rose gold, solid gold and sterling silver chains as well as charms to choose from. Start the new year off right with a customizable jewelry piece that's sure to match your style! Enjoy complimentary refreshments while you shop our collection of handmade goods from over 40 local artists. We can't wait to ring in the new year with you!
An N.A. Dance Party: no booze, all moves
Join us for an uplifting, alcohol-free dance party designed to help you unwind, connect, and groove. This evening blends the best of both worlds: a high-energy dance floor with a supportive, inclusive environment that invites everyone to move in whatever way feels good.
We’ll kick off with a facilitated dance experience with Christina Cobb to help you drop out of your head and into the rhythm. After that, enjoy open dance time with a live DJ spinning feel-good beats, space to move freely, and a crowd focused on good vibes—not booze.
Sip on creative alcohol-free mocktails by Nathan Williams, meet new people, and let the music carry you. Whether you love to dance or just want a joyful night out that doesn’t revolve around drinking, this event is for you.
Come as you are. Leave energized, grounded, and connected.
Cover charge: $10
Mocktails available for purchase
Kick off the first weekend of your New Year with live music this Friday at The Davie!
Join us for an unforgettable night as the incredible Michael Parker takes the stage, blending soulful melodies with crowd-favorite hits. Grab your favorite drink, relax, and let the good vibes roll!
Stroll through Downtown Raleigh's annual Illuminate Art Walk presented by Cooperating Raleigh Colleges and experience the magic of 15+ large-scale, light based art installations. January First Friday is the last Friday Illuminate will be on display until next year.
This First Friday, spend the evening surrounded by original artwork at Good Trip Gallery. Watch artist Christopher Evans paint live and explore the gallery in an intimate, creative setting.
Join Le Dive and Old Ghosts Tattoo for a unique experience every First Friday in Raleigh! Le Dive, teams up with Old Ghosts Tattoo for an exciting night of flash tattoos, good vibes, drinks and food and creative energy!
A new year means a brand-new competition! We’re kicking off the “first” First Friday with fresh energy, fresh faces, and a return to the old ways 👑
Hosted by the one and only Chloe Cassidy!
Please join us on Jan 2nd from 6-8pm to celebrate our winter residents @martyrogers.maker and @erin.fei as they open up their studios for First Friday!!
Come listen to Sienna Mcgeehan jam out with coffee and cocktails Friday Jan. 2nd! All ages.